About the Justice Health Unit

People who come into contact with the criminal justice system are disproportionately drawn from society’s most vulnerable and marginalised populations. They are distinguished by a high prevalence of complex, co-occurring health problems, typically set against a backdrop of entrenched disadvantage.

The Justice Health Unit seeks to generate world-class evidence regarding the health and health service experiences of justice-involved populations, and to advocate for evidence-informed policy to improve their health and wellbeing. Research on the health needs of justice-involved populations is central to addressing health inequalities at the population level.

The Justice Health Unit works closely with health and justice agencies in Australia, leading researchers internationally, and key international agencies including WHO and ICRC.